YOUNG people in Sefton are to be given the opportunity to sail the seas this summer as part of the Capital of Culture celebrations.

The Sail Train scheme has been launched by Express Sefton! to give six young adults the chance to be part of the Tall Ships Race in July.

The race sets off from Liverpool with places onboard the Alba Explorer up for grabs during this week’s half term as well as the Easter holidays.

For those keen on a short stint at sea in the summer all they have to do is take part in a series of watersports.

During the holidays Sefton Council will also be offering free swimming lessons as part of its Free and Active campaign.

Sarah Carter, of Sefton’s Tourism Events Team, said: “The Sail Train initiative offers young adults in the borough an amazing opportunity which will provide them with an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives as well as knowing they have been a part of such a big event during the year of Capital of Culture.”

A number of events took place last year so the upcoming activities are the final Sail Train sessions being held before the race in July.

Canoeing, kayaking, bell and dragon boating are all on the agenda at Southport Waterside Lodge on Marine Drive as well as the chance to apply for the 17 days at sea.

Sarah Carter added: “The response to the watersports activities last year was absolutely fantastic with so many people coming along to take part.”

The sessions opened this week to Sefton residents aged 13-19 and 13-24 for disabled participants and are available again on March 17, 18, 26 and 27.

The Alba Explorer ship will sail to Norway and the Netherlands with more than one million people expected in July when Liverpool is the host port.

Free swimming lessons are also being given across the region at Bootle, Crosby and Dunes Leisure Centres as well as Deyes Lane Swimming Pool in Maghull and Formby Pool.

To book places at the watersports sessions call Mike Fernley on 0151-934 2297.

For full details about the Sail Train initiative call Sefton Council's tourism department on 0151-934 2337.